Pierre was leaving the church as mass ended, he always felt better when he was there. Becoming crown prince was his destiny. He accepted it and he planned to follow through on his commitment. Yet, he still felt a very strong pull to the church. He often wondered what his life would be like if he were normal, like everyone else...he sighed, he really tried not to think of such things but some days he couldn't help myself. Today, was one of those days.
Parliament...
Clarisse walked into the room full of male Parliamentarians in Genovia. She was the only female. She had hoped to change that but tradition and the aristocracy made it extremely difficult. She knew how they felt about her and as much as she tried not to care, it did in fact bother her. She had to work twice as hard and be twice as smart just to be heard. She resented it but she wasn't royal by blood. She had married into the royal family and they would never let her forget it.
"Are you ready" Sebastian asked in a whisper?
"As ready as I'm going to be" She smiled.
"I will do my best to support you" He reassured her.
"Thank you" She said as she took her seat.
Sebastian took his seat.
Session began.
It didn't take long for Viscount Mabrey to ask for the floor.
Sebastian looked at Clarisse as if warning her to prepare herself.
Proceed Viscount, Sebastian replied although he wanted nothing more than to say denied!
Mabrey smiled as he stood up and began his long winded speech about Genovia needing stability and strength in her future. Clarisse wanted to roll her eyes. Mabrey had no interest in anyone other than himself.
"This is why I stand before you today your majesty" Mabrey insisted.
Clarisse stiffened but remained silent. What was he up to, she wondered?
"I wanted to be the first to congratulate you on the upcoming wedding of the Crown Prince and his future bride... Lady Antoinette" Mabrey said with a evil smile.
Clarisse face drained of color.
Sebastian looked at her.
All of Parliament began to talk all at once.
And Mabrey stood, smiling evily, as he watched the Queen.
Outside of the door...
Joseph and Charlotte could hear the comotion inside.
They looked at one another concerned.
Concerned, Joseph slipped inside and stood discreetly to the corner.
He saw the look on Clarisse face and began to make his way closer to her. Mabrey was standing in the center of the floor.
"The Crown Prince is getting married. It's about time" Joe heard one of them say.
Sebastian stood up since he knew Clarisse had been set up by Mabrey.
All the parliamentarians looked at him when he called for their attention.
"Thank you viscount. You may return to your seat." Sebastian said to Mabrey, warning him to not to say another word.
Mabrey walked back to his seat, a smile still on his face.
"We will be adjorning for a 15 minute break" Sebastian declared.
All the men began to exit.
Clarisse stayed seated, still in shock.
Mabrey walked past Joseph, his smile widening.
Joseph approached Clarisse and Sebastian.
Once the room was cleared, Clarisse looked at Sebastian.
"I am not going to confirm that woman as my son future bride" Clarisse stated leaving no room for negotiation.
"Your majesty, if not her than who" Sebastian asked?
"Pierre needs more time" Clarisse said although by the look on Sebastian face she knew that wasn't going to go well today if she announced it.
"They are going to want a name" Sebastian warned her.
Joseph looked at Clarisse desperately wanting to say something but he had to follow protocol and stay silent.
"I need a few minutes" Clarisse said as she walked away from both men.
Joseph went to follow her but Sebastian stopped him.
"Would Lady Antoinette be such a horrible choice? They were engaged before" Sebastian tried to reason.
"She left him without a word. His mother had to tell him. I don't think Pierre is going to agree to marry her" Joseph replied. Of course he knew how Clarisse felt about her but he would never share that with anyone.
"This is going to get worse" Sebastian sighed.
Outside...
Mabrey was pleased with how the session went. He could hear all of the Parliamentarians talking about Lady Antoinette and what a lovely bride, future Queen she would make.
"She is perfect" one man said.
"I didn't think they would ever work it out but I have to say I'm glad that they have" another said.
"I wonder if she's pregnant. That would explain the rushed engagement" another gossiped.
Mabrey smiled. He was very pleased indeed.
King Rupert entered and all the men stood.
Mabrey smile faded.
Rupert walked quickly until he came face to face with Mabrey.
"Your Majesty" Mabrey said although he wanted to smile and laugh, gloat but he knew better.
"I know what you are doing" Rupert said in a low hushed tone so only Mabrey could hear.
Mabrey looked at him but remained silent.
"It is NOT going to happen" Rupert said right before he walked off and walked towards the room.
Mabrey glared after him but remained silent.
Inside...
"Where is Her Majesty" Rupert asked as soon as he entered?
"She is in there" Joseph pointed to a small private room.
Rupert passed both men and walked into the room shutting the door.
Joseph stared for a moment then looked away.
Sebastian realized that there was more to Joseph and Clarisse.
Private room...
Clarisse was sitting when Rupert entered.
She stood up ready to scream until she realized who it was.
"I came as soon as I heard" Rupert said as he stood beside her.
"Mabrey...he congratulated me on Pierre engagement to Lady Antoinette" She said her voice calm but Rupert knew she was anything but calm at this moment.
"The amabassador warned me so I came as fast as I could. Did you make any statements" Rupert asked?
"No" She admitted as she sat.
He sat beside her.
"I am not accepting her into our family" Clarisse said as she looked her husband in the eyes.
"I understand and I agree" Rupert said as he took her hand in his.
Clarisse removed her hand and stood up, putting space between them.
"Clarisse...let me be here for you. I can't...tell me...what do you want me to do" Rupert asked?
"Fix it" Clarisse snapped as she turned and faced him.
"I can't. Not this. I told you we should have picked his bride" Rupert replied and instantly he regretted it by the look on her face.
"Are you seriously standing there and blaming me for this? I think we both know whose fault this is" Clarisse yelled.
Outside the room...
Sebastian and Joseph both heard Clarisse yell.
Sebastian looked at Joseph in shock.
Joseph sighed then asked if he would give them some privacy.
Sebastian agreed and walked out leaving Joseph.
Joseph was worried about Clarisse. She was coming apart and this wasn't like her at all. Clarisse was always in control. What was going on with her and Antoinette?
Inside the room...
"Clarisse, don't start. There is nothing to gain by dredging up the past" Rupert said frustrated.
"Oh right, let's not dredge up the past. No, we can't do that. One must never tell past secrets" Clarisse said as she let her anger take over.
"This is not the time" Rupert warned.
"No it's not but make no mistake the time has come" Clarisse said in a tone that took him aback.
"Pierre must never know. We agreed" Rupert reminded her.
"Yes...well...we agreed on many things over the years, haven't we? Of course, somehow you seem to be the only one that has ever benefited from these agreements" Clarisse said with a tone of disgust.
"Clarisse...we have to come up with a name. We can't wait. We have to name his future bride today. The rest must wait" Rupert insisted.
"No. I won't do it. I gave him my word" Clarisse said refusing to go along.
"So did I but we are in a tenous situation and we cannot endanger the future of this family" Rupert demanded.
"I said no. I won't go back on my word" Clarisse refused as she tried to walk out.
Rupert grabbed her arm.
"Let go" Clarisse hissed angrily as she pulled her arm out of his grasp.
"If you don't help me right now than I will come up with a name on my own" Rupert threatened.
"You wouldn't dare" Clarisse challenged him.
"I would and I will" Rupert insisted.
Clarisse glared at him angrily, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
"We have to do this" Rupert said as he took his cell phone out.
"Who are you calling" Clarisse asked upset?
"I think the real questions is, who are we calling Clarisse" Rupert asked?
"Fine. We are calling Pierre" Clarisse said surprising him.